Kmart in Mission Valley closes after sales disappoint

A Kmart store in Mission Valley closed its doors over the weekend -- after being back in business just about a year ago.

The store on Rio San Diego Drive, next to an Office Depot, was originally a Kmart before being converted to a Sears Essentials site. It was changed back to a Kmart in February 2012 because not enough shoppers were drawn to the Sears Essentials brand.

On Sunday, the Kmart was shuttered because of "disappointing sales," said Howard Riefs, director of corporate communications for Kmart owner Sears Holdings. There are no plans to change the space back to a Sears store.

Riefs said the Kmart had 88 employees, who will get the chance to apply for positions at other Kmart and Sears locations.

Sears Holdings now operates six Kmart stores, five Sears stores and three Sears Outlet stores in San Diego County.